Projects

BMW iX Non-Terrestrial-Networks HiSky

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Institut für Technik Intelligenter Systeme (ITIS GmbH) Description: Support of the Over-the-Air Testing campaign with the HiSky satellite terminal on a BMW. Funding sponsor: BMW AG Start of the project: End of the project: April 2024 June 2024

European Protected Waveform (EPW)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: The European Protected Waveform (EPW) project has the objective to design an integrated multi-layered security and resiliency system for next-generation defence satellite networks with a fully European Protected Waveform (EPW) and accompanying technologies for satellite communications resilient against ill-intentioned acts. This EPW project must give an answer to five key challenges: being innovative, support European autonomy and cooperation between Member States, offering affordable and efficient satellite services, being flexible and scalable and featuring a multi-layered security and resilience. Funding sponsor: European Defence Fund (EDF) Start of the project: End of the project: June 2023 March 2026

 

H2Sat Payload IOT

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: Support in defining measurement methods for In-Orbit-Tests (IOT) of satellite payloads; preparation of appropriate test specifications, test procedures and reports; support services for the implementation of In-Orbit-Tests of the military payload of the Heinrich Hertz satellite and the evaluation of the measurement results. Funding sponsor: German Space Agency, German Aerospace Center (DLR) Start of the project: End of the project: September 2023 November 2023

 

HARMONY - Innovating New Space Frontiers: Harmonised Federated And Fractionated Systems Unlocking Fresh Perspectives For Satellite Services

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Thomas Delamotte Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: New concepts for distributed satellite systems will be investigated. Funding sponsor: European Commission, HEU-Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Start of the project: End of the project: September 2022 August 2026

 

Physical Layer Security for Satellite Communications (PlaySat)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: This project investigates novel physical layer security approaches that are possible with modern multi-feed / multi-reflector satellite systems. Project partners: NEOSAT GmbH (Germany) Funding sponsor: European Space Agency (ESA4S Activity) Start of the project: End of the project: December 2021 June 2023

 

5G - Space Infrastructure Study (5G-IS)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: The study focuses on a comprehensive technical and programmatic vision of how a 5G and beyond 5G space-based infrastructure can provide services for consumers and various industries. Project partners: Airbus Defence and Space (Germany), EURESCOM (Germany), Frauhofer IIS (Germany), Fraunhofer FOKUS (Germany) Funding sponsor: European Space Agency (ESA) Related links: 5G-IS project page Start of the project: End of the project: July 2021 December 2023

 

Over-the-Air Test of Starlink for 5G Backhaul  (ESA 5G Meteors)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Florian Völk Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: This 5G Meteors activity covers an over-the-air test of Starlink non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) constellation for 5G backhauling. Project partners: NEOSAT GmbH (Germany) Funding sponsor: European Space Agency (ESA 5G Meteors Activity) Start of the project: End of the project: July 2021 June 2022

 

Secure Satellite Communications with Multiple Antennas (SeSAM)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Institut für Technik Intelligenter Systeme (ITIS GmbH) Description: SeSAM investigates the potentials and demonstrates the feasibility of new approaches of physical layer security based on multi-antenna solutions in satellite communication links. Project partners: NEOSAT GmbH (Germany) Funding sponsor: Federal Ministry of Defence (Bundesministerium der Verteidigung - BMVg) Start of the project: End of the project: June 2021 ongoing

 

5G - Enabled Ground Segment Technologies Over-the-Air Demonstrator (5G-GOA)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: 5G-GOA develops and implements the necessary modifications in the 5G New Radio standard to enable the direct radio access of terrestrial communication networks via satellite, a 5G RAN via satellite closely following the 3GPP Work Item on Non-Terrestrial-Networks. Project partners: EURESCOM (Germany), Frauhofer IIS (Germany), University of Luxembourg (Luxembourg), Eurecom (France) Funding sponsor: European Space Agency (ESA) Related links: 5G-GOA project page Start of the project: End of the project: March 2021 December 2023

 

Ka-Band LEO Satellite Channel Characterization

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Prof. Christian Hofmann Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: KA-band channel measurements will be conducted to model the LEO satellite-to-ground channel. Funding sponsor: Rohde & Schwarz GmbH Start of the project: End of the project: March 2021 June 2021

 

Independent Trend Analysis on Megaconstellations (HEUMEGA)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Prof. Christian Hofmann Institute: Institut für Technik Intelligenter Systeme (ITIS GmbH) Description: This study examines the technical and economic aspects of the new megaconstellations Starlink, OneWeb, Kuiper, Telesat Lightspeed, AST & Science SpaceMobile and KLEO Connect operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and the O3B mPOWER system operating in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). Start of the project: End of the project: January 2021 May 2021

 

Over-the-Air Test of 5G NR over GEO Satellite (ESA 5G Meteors)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Florian Völk Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: The focus of this experiment is on the 5G NR downlink channel processing for physical signals and channels, transport channels, and control information. Funding sponsor: European Space Agency (ESA 5G Meteors Activity) Start of the project: End of the project: December 2020 February 2021

 

Data-Driven Network Controller and Orchestrator for Real-Time Network Management (DAWN)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: The DAWN project develops and implements techniques and algorithms that allow automated network control and management based on network-generated information – data-driven networking –, users' data – context-awareness –, and measured and predicted performance of the network. Project partners: EURESCOM (Germany), Fraunhofer FOKUS (Germany), Frauhofer IIS (Germany), ND SatCom GmbH (Germany) Funding sponsor: European Space Agency (ESA) Related links: DAWN project page Start of the project: End of the project: December 2020 February 2023

 

LoRa Connectivity Using GEO Satellites (GeoLoRa)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Prof. Christian Hofmann Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: Experimental IoT radio transmission via geosynchronous satellites using the LoRa waveform standard. Funding sponsor: Neosat GmbH (Neubiberg, Germany) Start of the project: End of the project: January 2020 February 2020

 

Demonstration of Satellite-Terrestrial Integration in 5G (ESA 5G Meteors)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz, Florian Völk Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: Studies are being conducted on the integration of 5G mobile networks and satellite links. In particular a demonstration of portable satellite-5G integration during the IEEE 5G World Forum 2019. Funding sponsor: European Space Agency (ESA 5G Meteors Activity) Start of the project: End of the project: September 2019 October 2019

 

Robust Data Transmission with Mini Transmitters via Satellite (NeverGetLost II)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Prof. Christian Hofmann Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: Research for methods of data transmission via satellite using low-power transmitters of small size. Project partners: Rohde & Schwarz INRADIOS GmbH (Dresden, Germany) Funding sponsor: German Space Agency, German Aerospace Center (DLR) Start of the project: End of the project: April 2019 March 2020

 

MIMO in the Context of High-Throughput Satellites (MIMO-HTS)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Kai-Uwe Storek, Dr. Thomas Delamotte Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: The MIMO technology will be investigated and demonstrated for high-throughput satellites. Project partners: NEOSAT GmbH (Neubiberg, Germany), DIRACON GmbH (Saalfeld, Germany) Funding sponsor: German Space Agency, German Aerospace Center (DLR) Start of the project: End of the project: March 2019 August 2022

 

Technology-Scouting SATCOMBw

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: Research results will be incorporated into the procurement process for the next generation of communication satellites of the Bundeswehr. Funding sponsor: Federal Ministry of Defence (Bundesministerium der Verteidigung - BMVg) Start of the project: End of the project: April 2018 ongoing

 

SATCOM-on-the-Move (SOTM) Field Trials and System Tests

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Chair of Signal Processing / Institut für Technik Intelligenter Systeme (ITIS GmbH) Description: This is an ongoing activity to conduct SOTM related system tests, modem compatibility tests and general SOTM field trials. Funding sponsors and project partners: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH (Germany), ND SatCom GmbH (Germany), Leonardo Deutschland GmbH (Germany), INSTER (Spain) Start of the activity: Since March 2018

 

European Data Relay System (EDRS) - System Level Simulation Support

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: System level end-to-end simulations support and analysis of linear distortions of the EDRS downlink. Funding sponsor: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH (Germany) Start of the project: End of the project: April 2018 December 2019

 

Multisensorsystem zur Sicheren Integration von UAS in den Luftverkehr (MasterUAS)

Principal Investigator: Prof. Peter Stütz Institute: Chair of Flight Systems Co-Investigator: Dr. Robert Schwarz, Florian Völk Institute: Chair of Signal Processing (Prof. Andreas Knopp) Description: Novel communication methods to aid the UAS with the mission of safe and passenger-friendly aviation. Project partners: f.u.n.k.e AVIONICS GmbH (Germany) Funding sponsor: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) Start of the project: End of the project: January 2018 December 2021

 

Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Feasibility Study

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Project partners: INTELSAT Corp. (Washington, USA) Funding sponsor: German Space Agency, German Aerospace Center (DLR) Start of the project: End of the project: December 2017 December 2018

 

Telemetry Data Transmission via Satellite

Principal Investigator: Prof. Christian Hofmann Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: Methods for telemetry data transmission via satellite are investigated. Project partners: Fraunhofer IIS (Erlangen, Germany) Start of the project: End of the project: November 2017 September 2018

 

Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks for Tactical Communications (MANBw+)

Principal Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Institute: Institut für Technik Intelligenter Systeme (ITIS GmbH) Description: Study of new solutions of ad-hoc networks for military tactical communications. Project partners: blackned GmbH (Germany) Start of the project: End of the project: November 2017 December 2018

 

Real-Time Capability and Remote Position Determination in Animal Observation

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Prof. Christian Hofmann Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: Methods for determining the position of small transmitters using communication satellites are being investigated. Project partners: Rohde & Schwarz INRADIOS GmbH (Dresden, Germany), Dresden University of Technology (TUD), iGOS GmbH (Immenstaad, Germany) Funding sponsor: German Space Agency, German Aerospace Center (DLR) Start of the project: End of the project: November 2017 October 2018

 

Demonstrator for Satellite Terrestrial Integration in the 5G Context (SATis5)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz, Florian Völk Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: SATis5 aims to build a large-scale real-time live end-to-end 5G integrated satellite terrestrial network proof-of-concept testbed. Project partners: EURESCOM (Germany), Frauhofer IIS (Germany), Fraunhofer FOKUS (Germany), Newtec Communications GmbH (Germany), SES TechCom (Luxembourg), Technische Universität Berlin (Germany) Funding sponsor: European Space Agency (ESA) Related links: SATis5 ESA project page SATis5 EURESCOM project page Start of the project: End of the project: October 2017 September 2020

 

Verification and Test Facility SATCOM (VeriTaS)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: The "Bundeswehr SATCOM Center for Experimentation, Research and Test" (SatCERTBw) is going to be extended by a further test and verification facility that focus on the mobile satellite  components in the "Mobile Tactical Communication" program of the Bundeswehr. Funding sponsor: Federal Ministry of Defence (Bundesministerium der Verteidigung - BMVg) Start of the project: End of the project: April 2017 ongoing

 

Phase 0 Study of the SatCom 2025 Mission

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Prof. Christian Hofmann Institute: Institut für Technik Intelligenter Systeme (ITIS GmbH) Description: Feasibility study for a national satellite communications mission. Project partners: OHB System AG Funding sponsor: German Space Agency, German Aerospace Center (DLR) Start of the project: End of the project: March 2017 March 2018

 

Konzeptionelle Weiterentwicklung Systemverbund SATCOMBw

Principal Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Institute: Institut für Technik Intelligenter Systeme (ITIS GmbH) Description: Investigation of the technical innovation potential for the ground segment of the military satellite communication system of the Bundeswehr. Project partners: AUDENS Telecommunications GmbH Funding sponsor: Federal Ministry of Defence (Bundesministerium der Verteidigung - BMVg) Start of the project: End of the project: February 2017 November 2018

 

Integrated Satellite Terminal for Stationary Networking (ISISTAR)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Institut für Technik Intelligenter Systeme (ITIS GmbH) Description: Field experiments and measurements of a novel satellite antenna. Funding sponsor: IMST GmbH Start of the project: End of the project: February 2017 December 2017

 

Ultra Rapid Deployable Antenna (URDA)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Institut für Technik Intelligenter Systeme (ITIS GmbH) Description: Measurements and modeling of a new rapid deployable and portable reflector antenna. Funding sponsor: HPS GmbH (Germany) Start of the project: End of the project: December 2016 November 2019

 

MIMO SATCOM System Demonstrator

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Kai-Uwe Storek Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: A transmission system is created as a demonstrator. In the course of this, algorithms are developed, optimized and implemented in the system. This should confirm decisive assumptions for satellite-based multi-antenna systems with high spatial diversity gains. Funding sponsor: German Space Agency, German Aerospace Center (DLR) Start of the project: End of the project: June 2016 May 2019

 

UHF Radio Field Measurements

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Prof. Christian Hofmann, Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: Radio field measurements are performed to assess the propagation conditions of electromagnetic waves in UHF satellite links. The optimal location of a ground station antenna is determined. Funding sponsor: Federal Ministry of Defence (Bundesministerium der Verteidigung - BMVg) Start of the project: End of the project: June 2016 December 2016

 

International Cooperation for Animal Research Using Space (ICARUS) Phase C Study

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Prof. Christian Hofmann Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: Technical system analysis and antenna measurements are executed for the IoT data transmission system ICARUS. In particular, an antenna intended for assembly on the International Space Station ISS will be measured in cooperation with Fraunhofer IIS in order to create and optimize a simulation model for the data link. Funding sponsor: Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Start of the project: End of the project: May 2016 December 2016

 

Data Rate Exchange Requirements for SATCOMBw

Principal Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Institute: Institut für Technik Intelligenter Systeme (ITIS GmbH) Description: Evaluation and assessment of data rate exchange requirements for the next generation of the military satellite communications system of the Bundeswehr. Project partners: IABG mbH (Germany), Reder Engineering GmbH (Germany), DIRACON GmbH (Germany) Funding sponsor: Federal Ministry of Defence (Bundesministerium der Verteidigung - BMVg) Start of the project: End of the project: April 2016 November 2016

 

Digital Linearization Techniques for Satellite Communications Payloads

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Thomas Delamotte Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: Methods and procedures for digital predistortion of satellite signals are investigated with the aim of compensating for nonlinear effects caused by TWT in particular. Funding sponsor: German Space Agency, German Aerospace Center (DLR) Start of the project: End of the project: February 2016 December 2019

 

Protected Satellite Communications (Protected SATCOM)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Prof. Christian Hofmann Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: This project investigates and analyzes new technologies and explores counter measures that harden the communication links of the military satellite communications system of the Bundeswehr (SATCOMBw). Project partners: Reder Engineering GmbH (Germany) Funding sponsor: Federal Ministry of Defence (Bundesministerium der Verteidigung - BMVg) Start of the project: End of the project: February 2016 December 2018

 

Comparative Air-to-Ground Channel Measurements in the UHF- and S-Bands

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Prof. Christian Hofmann Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: Measurement of the dispersion conditions of electromagnetic waves from a moving object (drone, helicopter) to a ground station. The diffraction parameters of the terrain are to be determined and evaluated at two frequencies in the UHF- and S-bands. Funding sponsor: MBDA Deutschland GmbH, Unterschleißheim (Germany) Start of the project: End of the project: November 2015 March 2016

 

Inflight Satellite Communication Technologies

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: Analysis and system design aspects w.r.t. the efficiency of the achievable bandwidth of SATCOM in flying platforms with geostationary communication satellites. Funding sponsor: IABG mbH, Ottobrunn (Germany) Start of the project: End of the project: May 2015 August 2015

 

Technology Consultancy Support for the Heinrich Hertz Satellite Mission (H2Sat)

Principal Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: Selection, evaluation and further development of suitable technologies for secure and reliable information transmission with the military hosted payload of the national research satellite "Heinrich Hertz". Funding sponsor: Federal Ministry of Defence (Bundesministerium der Verteidigung - BMVg) Start of the project: End of the project: March 2015 December 2023

 

LTE over Satellite

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: Concept and Hardware Demonstrator for the Seamless LTE-over-Satellite Data Transmission. Project partners: Fraunhofer IIS (Ilmenau), Blackned GmbH Funding sponsor: Federal Ministry of Defence (Bundesministerium der Verteidigung - BMVg) Start of the project: End of the project: November 2014 October 2016

 

Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Satellite Communications (MIMO SATCOM)

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dirk Ogermann Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: Feasibilty study on the Line-of-Sight MIMO technology for geostationary satellite communications. Project partners: INRADIOS integrated radio solutions GmbH (Germany), DIRACON GmbH (Germany) Funding sponsor: German Space Agency, German Aerospace Center (DLR) Start of the project: End of the project: October 2013 February 2016

 

Technical Evaluation of STANAGs with Reference to MILSATCOM

Principal Investigator: Co-Investigator: Prof. Andreas Knopp Dr. Robert Schwarz Institute: Chair of Signal Processing Description: Participation in technical standardisation committees of the NATO Capability Team for Satellite Communications; development and evaluation of standardisation proposals; development of technical standpoints and recommendations for action for the Bundeswehr. Funding sponsor: Federal Ministry of Defence (Bundesministerium der Verteidigung - BMVg) Start of the project: End of the project: January 2012 ongoing